Hey guys, I was looking at buying either a St. Croix Avid series or a G. Loomis walleye series in medium lite/fast for my new walleye rod. Anyone have any opinions on either of these rods, likes/dislikes? I mostly do alot of lindy rigging when i’m fishing for walleye.
Thanks for any input.
Bob
I have a couple of each and prefer the G Loomis over the Croix’s. I feel they have better sensitivity and feel in the handle and control as well. 
Both companies make a great rod. In all honesty the purchase decision will come down to personal preference. If you have an hour to invest in figuring out which rod is the right one for you, head to a shop that carries both and give them a shake. Bring the reel you plan to use and mount it on each rod to see how it balances. You’ll know the right one for you when you feel it.
The G Loomis walleye series rods are not the same class as the Avid. It would be similar to comparing a Legend Extreme to an Avid. The G Loomis walleye rods (the current models) are built on the IMX blanks I believe. The previous walleye series were the GL2 blanks I think. Can’t remember for sure, but I think that is it. I own many avids, a legend tournament, a legend extreme, the old G Loomis walleye, and have fished with the newer version.
If you try to compare apples to apples, or at least as close as you can, I liked the Legend Extreme better than the IMX walleye rod mainly just off weight. They both have fantastic feel.
The GL2 walleye series compares very closely to the legend tournament and I think they fish pretty similar.
If you are picking between a G Loomis walleye and an Avid, I would say go G Loomis because you are stepping up in sensitivity levels.
Just as a disclaimer, I am sitting in a meeting and wrote this all from memory. I could have gotten some stuff wrong due to not validating my facts.
I noticed with the G Loomis walleye series, they have a GLX version and then another version that is in the same series, but about $125-$150 cheaper. What is the difference between the two? Is it the guides, blanks, or maybe both?
Actually, I know the GLX has the upgraded titanium recoil guides, but are the blanks the same and will the sensitivity be the same on both versions?
I use both types of rods. My strong preference is for my 6-2 gl3 loomis.It is tough as nails and very sensitive. I use a m-l w fast tip. You will enjoy either rod,they are both good products.
Correct John…from the Loomis website…
Their two Walleye series rods correspond to the St. Croix
Legend Extreme and Legend Tournament series… an Avid is a lower quality rod of only Scrim 111 graphite… not a fair comparison but a lot cheaper. I have fished both rods…they are both awesome. I prefer the lighter more responsive (to me) Legend Extreme.
WRR8501S 7’1″ 172 1 8-14 3/8-5/8 Fast Med-Light $250.00
WRR8501S GLX 7’1″ 173 1 8-14 3/8-5/8 Fast Med-Light $395.00
St Croix… Legend TWS Tournament Walleye
70MLF 7′ ML Fast 1 4 – 10 1/8 – 3/8 3.6 4 $230.00
St. Croix…Legend Extreme
XS70MLF 7′ ML Fast 1 4 – 10 1/8 – 3/8 3.0 1 $370.00
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Actually, I know the GLX has the upgraded titanium recoil guides, but are the blanks the same and will the sensitivity be the same on both versions?
The GLX has a higher modulus graphite and the recoil guide system and should BE appreciably more sensitive. The 2011 St Croix Extreme and Elite series with NSI by St. Croix are now 35% stronger than previous models.
James idea is probably the best advice…
I love St. Croix’s, but James’ idea is the one to run with—really is up to you and how they feel.
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Both companies make a great rod. In all honesty the purchase decision will come down to personal preference. If you have an hour to invest in figuring out which rod is the right one for you, head to a shop that carries both and give them a shake. Bring the reel you plan to use and mount it on each rod to see how it balances. You’ll know the right one for you when you feel it.
To piggy back a little off James’ comment, when I was on P4 back in March, I spent some time comparing the G Loomis IMX against a St. Croix Legend Extreme. I was going to purchase one or the other, and my buddy had an IMX with him so I had the perfect opportunity. We played around with both rods, swapping reels to see how each fished with different reels. I was actually a little bit shocked on how much of a difference you would get with different reels. Balance point, weight, and just overall feel changes were really evident between reels. Each rod felt best with a different reel. As James said, take the reel you plan to use with you. I would also try some other reels on it as well.
One of the more common mistakes I see people make when buying a new rod is they put a lot of time and research into picking a good rod… and they they don’t give the balance of the rod a second thought when they match a reel to their new $300+ blank. No matter how sensitive it is if you end up with a rod that is excessively tip or butt heavy… you won’t come close to getting the most out of your purchase.
If your only lindy rigging you don’t need a high end rod. A cheap rod with a sloppy/forgiving tip is all you need.
o Stay away from fast action rods. If you feel the fish on a fast action rod they probably have already felt you.
o Stick with old school high streatch mono. Don’t use superlines.
Jigging rods are a whole different story.
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One of the more common mistakes I see people make when buying a new rod is they put a lot of time and research into picking a good rod… and they they don’t give the balance of the rod a second thought when they match a reel to their new $300+ blank. No matter how sensitive it is if you end up with a rod that is excessively tip or butt heavy… you won’t come close to getting the most out of your purchase.
I agree James. You wont truly get the feel of the rod until the reel is put on it. I would also put some consideration into the line that is going to be used on it to. There can be a big difference between braids and mono and you will want to get a rod that matches up well with what you are going to put on it.
Looks like i’ll be bringing my reel with me when I go look at rods today. Thanks for all the input guys! 
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